Hitchhiker's words inspired Canada's oldest music therapy program
Music and therapy.
Those words uttered by a hitchhiker more than 40 years ago inspired Nancy McMaster to co-found a music therapy program at Capilano University — then called Capilano College — with her fellow music therapist Carolyn Kenny.
"When I picked up that hitchhiker and heard those words together ... I felt like I'd heard a click in my head, because for me, I feel like I was born being able to play piano and sing harmony."
"We started out at the end of the 60s. It was a hippie era," Kenny added.
The two went their separate ways, training to become music therapists in the U.S. and England.
They reconnected back in Canada and decided to pitch a local music therapy program to local schools.
Capilano College decided to take a chance.
Evolving program
Since then, the program has grown into a four-and-a-half year Bachelor of Music Therapy program.
The program uses music to help clients improve their physical and mental well-being, according to co-ordinator Stephen Williams.
He said his students need to have strong people skills and communication skills as well as being strong musicians.
"Music therapy is using the tools of music to help people make a difference in our life ... we're changing a musician into a music therapist."
Student Natalie Kimpton has played instruments since she was young and teaches guitar at a local guitar shop.
"I grew up with my parents playing music, and it's just always been a really big part of my life ... what brought me here is feeling like I wanted to do something in my life where I was helping people."
McMaster, who 40 years later still teaches, is proud of how far the program has come.
"It's been my life, and I couldn't wish for something better. I am very proud of the grads and their contribution to music therapy."
A celebratory party and documentary screening about the early days of the program takes place at 6 p.m. PT tonight at the Bosa Centre for Film and Animation in the Fir Building at Capilano University.
With files from The Early Edition
To hear the segment, click on the link labelled Capilano University's music therapy program celebrates its 40th anniversary
